Collection and delivery area setting device, collection and delivery area matching device, collection and delivery area setting method, collection and delivery area matching method, and program

Abstract

To provide a collection / delivery-area setting apparatus capable of setting collection / delivery areas for each one of collection / delivery hubs (collection / delivery sources).SOLUTION: A collection / delivery-area setting apparatus according to the present invention comprises a collection / delivery-information acquiring section, an information processing section, a clustering section and a collection / delivery-area setting section. The collection / delivery-information acquiring section acquires collection / delivery information, which includes collection / delivery-source information about one or more collection / delivery sources and collection / delivery-destination information about one or more collection / delivery destinations. The information processing section generates collection / delivery condition information for each of the collection / delivery destinations based on the collection / delivery-source information and the collection / delivery-destination information. The clustering section clusters one or more of the collection / delivery destinations for each of one or more of the collection / delivery sources based on the collection / delivery condition and generates a cluster including one of the collection / delivery sources and one or more of the collection / delivery destinations. The collection / delivery-area setting section sets the generated cluster as a collection / delivery area.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a delivery area setting device, a delivery area matching device, a delivery area setting method, a delivery area matching method, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] With the recent progress of information technology (IT), various delivery systems have been developed in the fields of home delivery and postal services. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technology that can deliver goods further using an autonomous vehicle.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the delivery industry, it is common to set up delivery areas for each delivery base of goods. However, the actual situation is that multiple delivery operators with different delivery bases perform deliveries to other delivery areas beyond their own delivery areas. Therefore, it is difficult to improve delivery efficiency. As a result, it is difficult to reduce the delivery costs of the delivery operator (the delivery order receiving side), and it is also difficult to reduce the delivery fees of the delivery order placing side.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a delivery area setting device, a delivery area setting method, and a program that can set a delivery area for each delivery base (delivery origin).

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] To achieve the above object, the delivery area setting device of the present invention is It includes a collection and delivery information acquisition unit, an information processing unit, a clustering unit, and a collection and delivery area setting unit. The collection and delivery information acquisition unit acquires collection and delivery information, The aforementioned delivery information includes delivery source information for one or more delivery origins, and delivery destination information for one or more delivery destinations. The information processing unit generates collection and delivery condition information for each collection and delivery destination based on the collection and delivery source information and the collection and delivery destination information. The clustering unit, based on the collection and delivery conditions, clusters one or more collection and delivery destinations for each of the one or more collection and delivery sources to generate a cluster that includes one collection and delivery source and one or more collection and delivery destinations. The delivery area setting unit sets the generated cluster as a collection and delivery area.

[0007] The collection and delivery area matching device of the present invention It includes a collection and delivery area setting unit, a matching output unit, a matching information acquisition unit, and a matching execution unit. The aforementioned delivery area setting unit sets one or more delivery areas for matching, The matching output unit outputs the set collection and delivery area, The matching information acquisition unit acquires matching information for delivery personnel, The matching execution unit determines the delivery person for each delivery area based on the delivery area and the matching information. The aforementioned delivery area is the delivery area set by the delivery area setting device of the present invention.

[0008] The method for setting collection and delivery areas according to the present invention is: This includes a process for acquiring collection and delivery information, an information processing process, a clustering process, and a collection and delivery area setting process. The process of acquiring collection and delivery information involves acquiring collection and delivery information. The aforementioned delivery information includes delivery source information for one or more delivery origins, and delivery destination information for one or more delivery destinations. The aforementioned information processing step generates collection and delivery condition information for each collection and delivery destination based on the collection and delivery source information and the collection and delivery destination information. The clustering step, based on the collection and delivery conditions, clusters one or more collection and delivery destinations for each of the one or more collection and delivery sources to generate a cluster that includes one collection and delivery source and one or more collection and delivery destinations. The delivery area setting step involves setting the generated cluster as a collection and delivery area.

[0009] The collection and delivery area matching method of the present invention is This process includes a collection and delivery area setting process, a matching output process, a matching information acquisition process, and a matching execution process. The aforementioned delivery area setting step involves setting one or more delivery areas for matching, The matching output step outputs the set collection and delivery area, The matching information acquisition process acquires matching information for collection and delivery personnel, The matching execution process determines the delivery person for each delivery area based on the delivery area and the matching information. The aforementioned delivery area is a delivery area set by the delivery area setting method of the present invention.

[0010] The first program of the present invention is This includes procedures for acquiring collection and delivery information, information processing, clustering, and setting collection and delivery areas. The procedure for obtaining collection and delivery information is to obtain collection and delivery information, The aforementioned delivery information includes delivery source information for one or more delivery origins, and delivery destination information for one or more delivery destinations. The aforementioned information processing procedure generates collection and delivery condition information for each collection and delivery destination based on the collection and delivery source information and the collection and delivery destination information. The clustering procedure, based on the collection and delivery conditions, clusters one or more collection and delivery destinations for each of the one or more collection and delivery sources to generate a cluster that includes one collection and delivery source and one or more collection and delivery destinations. The above delivery area setting procedure sets the generated cluster as a collection and delivery area, The above procedure is a program that can be executed on a computer.

[0011] The second program of the present invention includes a collection and delivery area setting procedure, a matching output procedure, a matching information acquisition procedure, and a matching execution procedure. The collection and delivery area setting procedure sets one or more collection and delivery areas for matching. The matching output procedure outputs the set collection and delivery area. The matching information acquisition procedure acquires the matching information of the person in charge of collection and delivery. The matching execution procedure determines the person in charge of collection and delivery for each collection and delivery area based on the collection and delivery area and the matching information. The collection and delivery area is the collection and delivery area set by the first program. Each of the above procedures is a program that can be executed on a computer.

Advantages of the Invention

[0012] According to the present invention, it is possible to set a collection and delivery area for each collection and delivery base (collection and delivery source). For example, if one collection and delivery operator is assigned to be in charge of collection and delivery for each collection and delivery area set by the present invention, there will be no collection and delivery across collection and delivery areas. As a result, the collection and delivery efficiency is improved, and it is expected to reduce the cost of the collection and delivery operator and the burden of collection and delivery costs on the collection and delivery orderer.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0013] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a collection and delivery area setting device according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the collection and delivery area setting device according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing in the collection and delivery area setting device according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a collection and delivery area matching device according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 5]Figure 5 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the collection and delivery area matching device of Embodiment 2. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a flowchart showing an example of processing in the collection and delivery area matching device of Embodiment 2. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the setting of the collection and delivery area in Embodiment 3. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a table showing an example of bid calculation in Embodiment 3. [Figure 9] Figure 9 shows an example of a conventional collection and delivery situation, and an example of collection and delivery according to Embodiment 3. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0014] In the collection and delivery area setting device of the present invention, for example, The aforementioned collection and delivery source information includes collection and delivery source location information relating to the location of each collection and delivery source, The aforementioned delivery destination information includes delivery destination location information relating to the location of each delivery destination, The information processing unit generates the delivery condition information, including the delivery distance information from each delivery source, for each delivery destination based on the delivery source location information and the delivery destination location information. The clustering unit generates the clusters by performing clustering based on the collection and delivery distance information. This approach is also acceptable.

[0015] In the collection and delivery area setting device of the present invention, for example, The information processing unit generates the delivery condition information, including the delivery time information required for delivery from the delivery source, for each delivery destination, based on the delivery distance information. The clustering unit generates the clusters by performing clustering based on the collection and delivery distance information. This approach is also acceptable.

[0016] In the collection and delivery area setting device of the present invention, for example, The aforementioned delivery destination information includes delivery destination order information for each delivery destination, The information processing unit generates the delivery condition information, including the delivery destination order information. The clustering unit generates the clusters by performing the clustering based on the delivery destination order information. This approach is also acceptable.

[0017] In the collection and delivery area setting device of the present invention, for example, The aforementioned collection and delivery source information includes collection and delivery source order information for each collection and delivery source, The information processing unit generates the delivery condition information, which includes the delivery source order information. The clustering unit generates the clusters by performing the clustering based on the collection and delivery source order information. This approach is also acceptable.

[0018] In the collection and delivery area matching device of the present invention, for example, The matching output unit outputs delivery condition information, The aforementioned delivery condition information is the delivery condition information of the delivery area setting device described in any of the appendices 1 to 5. This approach is also acceptable.

[0019] In the collection and delivery area matching device of the present invention, for example, The aforementioned delivery area setting unit includes the delivery area setting device of the present invention. This approach is also acceptable.

[0020] In the method for setting collection and delivery areas of the present invention, for example, The information processing step generates the delivery condition information, which includes the delivery time information required for delivery from the delivery source, for each delivery destination, based on the delivery distance information. The clustering step generates the clusters by performing the clustering based on the collection and delivery distance information. This approach is also acceptable.

[0021] In the method for setting collection and delivery areas of the present invention, for example, The aforementioned delivery destination information includes delivery destination order information for each delivery destination, The information processing step generates the delivery condition information, including the delivery destination order information. The clustering step generates the clusters by performing the clustering based on the delivery destination order information. This approach is also acceptable.

[0022] In the method for setting collection and delivery areas of the present invention, for example, The aforementioned collection and delivery source information includes collection and delivery source order information for each collection and delivery source, The aforementioned information processing step generates the collection and delivery condition information, which includes the collection and delivery source order information. The clustering step generates the clusters by performing the clustering based on the collection and delivery order information. This approach is also acceptable.

[0023] In the collection and delivery area matching method of the present invention, for example, The matching output step outputs delivery condition information, The aforementioned delivery conditions information is the delivery conditions information for the delivery area setting method described in any of the appendices 1 to 5. This approach is also acceptable.

[0024] In the collection and delivery area matching method of the present invention, for example, The aforementioned delivery area setting step includes the delivery area setting method of the present invention. This approach is also acceptable.

[0025] The first program of the present invention is a program that causes a computer to execute each step of the delivery area setting method of the present invention as a procedure. The second program of the present invention is a program that causes a computer to execute each step of the delivery area matching method of the present invention as a procedure. In the following description, for example, the delivery area setting method and the delivery area matching method may be collectively referred to as "the method of the present invention." Also, in the following description, for example, the first program and the second program may be collectively referred to as "the program of the present invention."

[0026] In this invention, "collection and delivery" may refer to either collection and delivery, or both. In this invention, "matching" may include, for example, bidding, reverse auctions, selection of delivery personnel (full-time employees, part-time employees, temporary workers) at collection and delivery companies, and recruitment and setting up collection and delivery gig workers. In this invention, "collection and delivery personnel" may refer to, for example, collection and delivery companies, individual collection and delivery operators, etc.

[0027] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the figures. The present invention is not limited to the following embodiments. In the following figures, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals. Furthermore, unless otherwise specified, the descriptions of each embodiment can be used interchangeably with those of the others, and unless otherwise specified, the configurations of each embodiment can be combined.

[0028] [Embodiment 1] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of the collection and delivery area setting device 10 of this embodiment. As shown in Figure 1, the device 10 includes a collection and delivery information acquisition unit 11, an information processing unit 12, a clustering unit 13, and a collection and delivery area setting unit 14. Although not shown, the device 10 may also include an input unit, an output unit, a display unit, and / or a storage unit.

[0029] The device 10 may be, for example, a single device including the aforementioned parts, or it may be a device in which each of the aforementioned parts can be connected via a communication network. Furthermore, the device 10 can be connected to an external device described later via the communication network. The communication network is not particularly limited and can use a known network, for example, it may be wired or wireless. Examples of the communication network include the Internet, WWW (World Wide Web), telephone lines, LAN (Local Area Network), SAN (Storage Area Network), DTN (Delay Tolerant Networking), LPWA (Low Power Wide Area), L5G (Local 5G), etc. Examples of wireless communication include Wi-Fi (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), Local 5G, LPWA, etc. The wireless communication may be in the form of direct communication between devices (Ad Hoc communication), infrastructure communication, indirect communication via an access point, etc. The device 10 may be, for example, incorporated into a server as a system. Furthermore, the device 10 may be, for example, a personal computer (PC, e.g., desktop or notebook type), smartphone, tablet terminal, etc., on which the program of the present invention is installed. The device 10 may also be in the form of cloud computing or edge computing, for example, in which at least one of the above-mentioned parts is on a server and the other parts are on a terminal.

[0030] Figure 2 illustrates a block diagram of the hardware configuration of the device 10. The device 10 includes, for example, a central processing unit (CPU, GPU, etc.) 101, memory 102, bus 103, storage device 104, input device 105, output device 106, communication device 107, etc. Each part of the device 10 is interconnected via the bus 103 through its respective interface (I / F).

[0031] The central processing unit 101 operates in coordination with other components via controllers (system controller, I / O controller, etc.) and is responsible for the overall control of the device 10. In the device 10, the central processing unit 101 executes, for example, the program of the present invention and other programs, and also reads and writes various types of information. Specifically, for example, the central processing unit 101 functions as a collection and delivery information acquisition unit 11, an information processing unit 12, a clustering unit 13, and a collection and delivery area setting unit 14. The device 10 may also be equipped with other computing devices such as a CPU, GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), APU (Accelerated Processing Unit), or a combination thereof.

[0032] Bus 103 can also be connected to external devices, for example. Examples of such external devices include external storage devices (external databases, etc.), printers, external input devices, external display devices, and external imaging devices. The device 10 can be connected to an external network (the aforementioned communication network) via a communication device 107 connected to bus 103, for example, and can also be connected to other devices via the external network.

[0033] Memory 102 may be, for example, main memory. When the central processing unit 101 performs processing, memory 102 reads various operational programs, such as the program of the present invention, stored in the storage device 104 (described later), and the central processing unit 101 receives data from memory 102 and executes the program. The main memory may be, for example, RAM (random access memory). Alternatively, memory 102 may be, for example, ROM (read-only memory).

[0034] The storage device 104 is also called an auxiliary storage device, for example, in relation to the main memory (primary memory). As described above, the storage device 104 stores an operating program including the program of the present invention. The storage device 104 may be, for example, a combination of a recording medium and a drive that reads and writes to the recording medium. The recording medium is not particularly limited and may be internal or external, for example, an HD (hard disk), CD-ROM, CD-R, CD-RW, MO, DVD, flash memory, memory card, etc. The storage device 104 may be, for example, a hard disk drive (HDD) in which the recording medium and the drive are integrated, or a solid state drive (SSD). If the device 10 includes the storage unit, for example, the storage device 104 functions as the storage unit. The storage unit can store, for example, user information of the device (name, identification number, attribute information (gender, age, affiliated organization, address, contact information, etc.), biometric information, etc.), delivery area information (source information and destination information), and information of the delivery person in charge.

[0035] In this device 10, the memory 102 and storage device 104 can also store various types of information, such as log information, information obtained from an external database (not shown) or external devices, information generated by this device 10, and information used by this device 10 when executing processing. In this case, the memory 102 and storage device 104 may store, for example, the user information of this device as described above. At least some of the information may be stored on an external server other than the memory 102 and storage device 104, or it may be stored in a distributed manner across multiple terminals using blockchain technology or the like.

[0036] The device 10 further includes, for example, an input device 105 and an output device 106. The input device 105 may include, for example, a pointing device such as a touch panel, trackpad, or mouse; a keyboard; imaging means such as a camera or scanner; a card reader such as an IC card reader or magnetic card reader; an audio input means such as a microphone; and so on. The output device 106 may include, for example, a display device such as an LED display or liquid crystal display; an audio output device such as a speaker; a printer; and so on. In this embodiment 1, the input device 105 and the output device 106 are configured separately, but the input device 105 and the output device 106 may be configured as an integrated unit, such as a touch panel display.

[0037] Next, an example of the method for setting the collection and delivery area in this embodiment will be described based on the flowchart S10 in Figure 3. The method for setting the collection and delivery area in this embodiment is carried out as follows, for example, using the device 10 in Figure 1 or Figure 2. Note that the method for setting the collection and delivery area in this embodiment is not limited to the use of the device 10 in Figure 1 or Figure 2.

[0038] First, the collection and delivery information acquisition unit 11 acquires collection and delivery information (S11, collection and delivery information acquisition step). The collection and delivery information includes collection and delivery source information for one or more collection and delivery sources, and collection and delivery destination information for one or more collection and delivery destinations. Next, the information processing unit 12 generates collection and delivery condition information for each collection and delivery destination based on the collection and delivery source information and the collection and delivery destination information (S12, information processing step). Next, the clustering unit 13 clusters one or more collection and delivery destinations for each of the one or more collection and delivery sources based on the collection and delivery conditions to generate a cluster that includes one collection and delivery source and one or more collection and delivery destinations (S13, clustering step). Then, the delivery area setting unit 14 sets the generated cluster as a collection and delivery area (S14, delivery area setting step) and outputs the set delivery area.

[0039] In the present invention, the clustering method used to generate clusters is not particularly limited. For example, methods for generating hierarchical clusters and methods for generating non-hierarchical clusters can be used. For example, the K-means method can be used to generate non-hierarchical clusters. In the clustering of the present invention, cluster generation occurs in a multidimensional (n-dimensional) space depending on the number (n) of conditions (variables) included in the collection and distribution conditions that form the basis of cluster generation.

[0040] In this embodiment, for example, the source information includes source location information relating to the location of each source, and the destination information includes destination location information relating to the location of each destination. The information processing unit 12 generates the delivery condition information, which includes the delivery distance information from each source, for each destination based on the source location information and the destination location information. The clustering unit 13 generates clusters by clustering based on the delivery distance information. In this embodiment, for example, "delivery distance" may be a straight-line distance, a distance along a delivery route (road, etc.), etc.

[0041] In this embodiment, the information processing unit 12 generates the delivery condition information, including the delivery time required for delivery from the delivery source, for each delivery destination based on the delivery distance information, and the clustering unit 13 generates clusters by clustering based on the delivery distance information. In this embodiment, the delivery time information may be generated taking into account not only the distance but also the means of delivery (truck, motorcycle, bicycle, walking), and traffic conditions.

[0042] In this embodiment, the delivery destination information may include delivery destination order information for each delivery destination, the information processing unit 12 generates the delivery condition information including the delivery destination order information, and the clustering unit 13 generates the clusters by clustering based on the delivery destination order information. In this embodiment, the order information may be, for example, the quantity, order price, delivery date, or delivery deadline.

[0043] In this embodiment, the collection and delivery source information may include collection and delivery source order information for each collection and delivery source, the information processing unit 12 generates the collection and delivery condition information including the collection and delivery source order information, and the clustering unit 13 generates clusters by clustering based on the collection and delivery source order information. In this embodiment, the order information may be, for example, the number of delivery personnel, business days, business hours, etc.

[0044] [Embodiment 2] Next, the collection and delivery area matching device 20 of this embodiment will be described based on Figures 4 to 6. Figure 4 is a block diagram of an example of the device 20, and Figure 5 is a block diagram of an example of the hardware configuration of the device 20. Figure 6 is a flowchart of an example of the processing of the device 20.

[0045] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the device 20 includes a delivery area setting unit 21, a matching output unit 22, a matching information acquisition unit 23, and a matching execution unit 24. The delivery area setting unit 22 sets one or more delivery areas for matching. The delivery area is, for example, a delivery area set by the delivery area setting device of Embodiment 1. The matching output unit 22 outputs the set delivery area. The matching information acquisition unit 23 acquires matching information for delivery personnel. The matching execution unit 24 determines a delivery person for each delivery area based on the delivery area and the matching information. The determined matching area is output to the corresponding delivery person (for example, to the delivery person's terminal (PC, tablet, smartphone, etc.)).

[0046] In this invention, the matching information for delivery personnel includes, for example, the delivery area they wish to receive orders for, the desired price for orders, and the desired conditions for orders (delivery period, delivery deadline, number of items to be delivered, etc.).

[0047] In this embodiment, the matching output unit 22 may output delivery condition information, which is, for example, the collection and delivery condition information of Embodiment 1. The output destination is the terminal of the collection and delivery person. This allows the collection and delivery person to consider the collection and delivery area they wish to match, based on the collection and delivery condition information (for example, collection and delivery distance, number of items to be collected and delivered, collection and delivery price, etc.).

[0048] In this embodiment, the collection and delivery area setting unit 21 may include, for example, the collection and delivery area setting device of Embodiment 1.

[0049] Figure 6 shows a flowchart illustrating an example of the processing in this embodiment, S20. First, the collection and delivery area setting unit 22 sets one or more collection and delivery areas for matching (S21, collection and delivery area setting step). Next, the matching output unit 22 outputs the set collection and delivery areas (S22, matching output step). The matching information acquisition unit 23 acquires matching information for collection and delivery personnel (S23, matching information acquisition step). Next, the matching execution unit 24 determines a collection and delivery person for each collection and delivery area based on the collection and delivery areas and matching information (S24, matching execution step), and the determined matching areas are output to the corresponding collection and delivery personnel.

[0050] [Embodiment 3] Embodiment 3 of the present invention will be described based on Figures 7 to 9.

[0051] Figure 7 shows an example where multiple delivery destinations (indicated by circles in the figure) are clustered for each of the multiple collection and delivery sources (indicated by stars in the figure), generating clusters of multiple delivery destinations, and these clusters are set as collection and delivery areas. Figure (A) shows an example where three collection and delivery areas are set for each of the three collection and delivery sources, and Figure (B) shows an example where four collection and delivery areas are set for each of the four delivery sources. In Figure 7, the numbers (0, 3, 5, 7, 10, 15, 20, 25) attached to the collection and delivery destinations (circles) indicate the number of packages to be collected or delivered.

[0052] The setting of collection and delivery areas in Figure 7 can be done, for example, as follows: First, clusters are generated from the number of deliveries per delivery destination (location) and the distance to each location. Cluster generation can be done by randomly calculating the straight-line distance from the collection point and performing non-hierarchical clustering using the k-means method. The generated clusters are set as delivery areas. The set delivery areas will be the bid (entry) units when determining delivery companies by bidding (reverse auction), for example. The minimum bid price for the bid (reverse auction) can be calculated, for example, from the minimum wage of the delivery area and the delivery time (including the delivery service provider margin). The delivery time can be estimated, for example, by continuously monitoring the operating status of the means of transport (cycle meter or odometer) and calculating the average value. Alternatively, an additional amount can be calculated on the minimum bid price based on a risk value corresponding to the required quality of the goods to be delivered (delivery quality), and the clusters can be adjusted using this additional amount. Risk values ​​are, for example, "0" for regular packages, "3" for fresh food products, and "10" for valuables. Then, clustering is performed based on three variables (3D space): delivery distance, estimated number of orders, and delivery quality, to generate clusters, and these generated clusters are set as delivery areas. When generating these clusters (setting delivery areas), the estimated number of orders may be adjusted so that the number of deliveries does not fall below the minimum standard price. It may also be assumed that changes in clusters and fluctuations in the minimum standard price may occur depending on the estimated number of orders and the deadline for delivery. Depending on the bidding status, fluctuations in the pre-auction price may be displayed (for example, if the bid price is the standard price, the bid is confirmed as won).

[0053] Figure 8 shows a table illustrating an example of bidding (reverse auction) calculations. The table in the figure has four bidding units (delivery units): Area A, Area B, Area C, and Area D. On the left side of the table, there are items for the bidding conditions, such as estimated revenue (calculated from the number of reservations (estimated), service unit price, and service amount) and the highest auction bid, with numerical data entered for each item. In the table, the highest auction bids are "6,500 yen" for Area A, "13,200 yen" for Area B, "14,450 yen" for Area C, and "8,150 yen" for Area D. In the middle of the table, there are items for the scheduled delivery date, estimated risk, and the final auction amount. Regarding estimated risk, the definition of estimated risk, "estimated risk" and "number of reservations risk," and the degree of risk (low, medium, high) are written in the lower left of the table. In the table shown in the diagram, the confirmed auction prices are ¥4,410 for area A, ¥7,520 for area B, ¥10,920 for area C, and ¥6,220 for area D, with the difference in base price (minimum base price) for each area indicated. To the right of the table in the diagram, there is an item for delivery cost (minimum base price), which is calculated from the product category, product category surcharge, distance, time per route (round trip, installation), and base wage for each area.

[0054] Figure 9 shows conventional delivery (Figure (A)) and delivery in this embodiment (Figure (B)). As shown in Figure (A), in conventional delivery, a single delivery company handles deliveries across multiple areas (area A to area D), resulting in poor delivery efficiency and a tendency for delivery costs to be high. In contrast, in the delivery of this embodiment, a delivery company is selected for each of the multiple delivery areas (area A to area D), so there are no deliveries that cross areas, and deliveries are limited to within the area. As a result, delivery efficiency is improved, and it is expected that delivery costs will decrease, as well as the burden of delivery costs on the delivery orderer.

[0055] In this invention, cluster generation by clustering may be improved in accuracy by utilizing machine learning. For example, a trained model for cluster generation (a model for setting up collection and delivery areas) may be generated by machine learning based on previously generated clusters (setting up collection and delivery areas), bidding records in the said clusters (collection and delivery areas), and collection and delivery records in the said clusters (collection and delivery areas), and this trained model may be used for setting up collection and delivery areas.

[0056] [Embodiment 4] The first program of this embodiment is a program that causes a computer to execute each step of the delivery area setting method described above. Specifically, the program of this embodiment is a program that causes a computer to execute the delivery information acquisition procedure, the information processing procedure, the clustering procedure, and the delivery area setting procedure.

[0057] The procedure for obtaining collection and delivery information is to obtain collection and delivery information, The aforementioned delivery information includes delivery source information for one or more delivery origins, and delivery destination information for one or more delivery destinations. The aforementioned information processing procedure generates collection and delivery condition information for each collection and delivery destination based on the collection and delivery source information and the collection and delivery destination information. The clustering procedure, based on the collection and delivery conditions, clusters one or more collection and delivery destinations for each of the one or more collection and delivery sources to generate a cluster that includes one collection and delivery source and one or more collection and delivery destinations. The aforementioned delivery area setting procedure sets the generated cluster as a collection and delivery area.

[0058] Furthermore, the first program of this embodiment can also be described as a program that causes the computer to function as a procedure for acquiring collection and delivery information, an information processing procedure, a clustering procedure, and a collection and delivery area setting procedure.

[0059] The first program of this embodiment can be derived from the description in the above-mentioned collection and delivery area setting device and collection and delivery area setting method of the present invention. Each of the above steps can be read as, for example, "step" or "process". The program of this embodiment may also be recorded on, for example, a computer-readable recording medium. The recording medium is, for example, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium. The recording medium is not particularly limited and includes, for example, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), hard disk (HD), optical disk, floppy disk (FD), etc.

[0060] [Embodiment 4] The second program of this embodiment is a program that causes a computer to execute each step of the delivery area matching method described above. Specifically, the program of this embodiment is a program that causes a computer to execute the delivery area setting procedure, the matching output procedure, the matching information acquisition procedure, and the matching execution procedure.

[0061] The aforementioned delivery area setting procedure sets one or more delivery areas for matching, The matching output procedure outputs the set collection and delivery area, The aforementioned matching information acquisition procedure acquires matching information for delivery personnel, The matching procedure involves determining the delivery person for each delivery area based on the delivery area and the matching information. The aforementioned delivery area is the delivery area set by the first program.

[0062] Furthermore, the second program of this embodiment can also be described as a program that causes the computer to function as a procedure for setting collection and delivery areas, a procedure for matching output, a procedure for acquiring matching information, and a procedure for executing matching.

[0063] The second program of this embodiment can be derived from the description in the above-mentioned collection and delivery area matching device and collection and delivery area matching method of the present invention. In each of the above steps, for example, "step" can be read as "process". Furthermore, the program of this embodiment may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium, for example. The recording medium is, for example, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium. The recording medium is not particularly limited and includes, for example, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), hard disk (HD), optical disk, floppy disk (FD), and the like.

[0064] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. Various modifications to the configuration and details of the present invention can be understood by those skilled in the art within the scope of the present invention.

[0065] <Note> Some or all of the above embodiments may be described as follows, but are not limited to the following: (Note 1) It includes a collection and delivery information acquisition unit, an information processing unit, a clustering unit, and a collection and delivery area setting unit. The collection and delivery information acquisition unit acquires collection and delivery information, The aforementioned delivery information includes delivery source information for one or more delivery origins, and delivery destination information for one or more delivery destinations. The information processing unit generates collection and delivery condition information for each collection and delivery destination based on the collection and delivery source information and the collection and delivery destination information. The clustering unit, based on the collection and delivery conditions, clusters one or more collection and delivery destinations for each of the one or more collection and delivery sources to generate a cluster that includes one collection and delivery source and one or more collection and delivery destinations. The delivery area setting unit sets the generated cluster as a collection and delivery area. Collection and delivery area setting device. (Note 2) The aforementioned collection and delivery source information includes collection and delivery source location information relating to the location of each collection and delivery source, The aforementioned delivery destination information includes delivery destination location information relating to the location of each delivery destination, The information processing unit generates the delivery condition information, including the delivery distance information from each delivery source, for each delivery destination based on the delivery source location information and the delivery destination location information. The clustering unit generates the clusters by performing clustering based on the collection and delivery distance information. The collection and delivery area setting device described in Appendix 1. (Note 3) The information processing unit generates the delivery condition information, including the delivery time information required for delivery from the delivery source, for each delivery destination, based on the delivery distance information. The clustering unit generates the clusters by performing clustering based on the collection and delivery distance information. The collection and delivery area setting device described in Appendix 2. (Note 4) The aforementioned delivery destination information includes delivery destination order information for each delivery destination, The information processing unit generates the delivery condition information, including the delivery destination order information. The clustering unit generates the clusters by performing the clustering based on the delivery destination order information. A collection and delivery area setting device as described in any of the appendices 1 to 3. (Note 5) The aforementioned collection and delivery source information includes collection and delivery source order information for each collection and delivery source, The information processing unit generates the delivery condition information, which includes the delivery source order information. The clustering unit generates the clusters by performing the clustering based on the collection and delivery source order information. A collection and delivery area setting device as described in any of the appendices 1 to 4. (Note 6) It includes a collection and delivery area setting unit, a matching output unit, a matching information acquisition unit, and a matching execution unit. The aforementioned delivery area setting unit sets one or more delivery areas for matching, The matching output unit outputs the set collection and delivery area, The matching information acquisition unit acquires matching information for delivery personnel, The matching execution unit determines the delivery person for each delivery area based on the delivery area and the matching information. The aforementioned delivery area is a delivery area set by the delivery area setting device described in any of the appendices 1 to 5. Collection and delivery area matching device. (Note 7) The matching output unit outputs delivery condition information, The aforementioned delivery condition information is the delivery condition information of the delivery area setting device described in any of the appendices 1 to 5. The collection and delivery area matching device described in Appendix 6. (Note 8) The aforementioned delivery area setting unit includes a delivery area setting device as described in any of the appendices 1 to 5. A collection and delivery area matching device as described in Appendix 6 or 7. (Note 9) This includes a process for acquiring collection and delivery information, an information processing process, a clustering process, and a collection and delivery area setting process. The process of acquiring collection and delivery information involves acquiring collection and delivery information. The aforementioned delivery information includes delivery source information for one or more delivery origins, and delivery destination information for one or more delivery destinations. The aforementioned information processing step generates collection and delivery condition information for each collection and delivery destination based on the collection and delivery source information and the collection and delivery destination information. The clustering step, based on the collection and delivery conditions, clusters one or more collection and delivery destinations for each of the one or more collection and delivery sources to generate a cluster that includes one collection and delivery source and one or more collection and delivery destinations. The delivery area setting step involves setting the generated cluster as a collection and delivery area. How to set up the delivery area. (Note 10) The aforementioned collection and delivery source information includes collection and delivery source location information relating to the location of each collection and delivery source, The aforementioned delivery destination information includes delivery destination location information relating to the location of each delivery destination, The information processing step generates the collection and delivery condition information, including the collection and delivery distance information from each collection and delivery source, for each collection and delivery destination, based on the collection and delivery source location information and the collection and delivery destination location information. The clustering step generates the clusters by performing the clustering based on the collection and delivery distance information. The method for setting the collection and delivery area is described in Appendix 9. (Note 11) The information processing step generates the delivery condition information, which includes the delivery time information required for delivery from the delivery source, for each delivery destination, based on the delivery distance information. The clustering step generates the clusters by performing the clustering based on the collection and delivery distance information. The method for setting the collection and delivery area is described in Appendix 10. (Note 12) The aforementioned delivery destination information includes delivery destination order information for each delivery destination, The information processing step generates the delivery condition information, including the delivery destination order information. The clustering step generates the clusters by performing clustering based on the delivery destination order information. The method for setting the collection and delivery area as described in any of the appendices 9 to 11. (Note 13) The aforementioned collection and delivery source information includes collection and delivery source order information for each collection and delivery source, The aforementioned information processing step generates the collection and delivery condition information, which includes the collection and delivery source order information. The clustering step generates the clusters by performing the clustering based on the collection and delivery order information. The method for setting the collection and delivery area as described in any of the appendices 9 to 12. (Note 14) This process includes a collection and delivery area setting process, a matching output process, a matching information acquisition process, and a matching execution process. The aforementioned delivery area setting step involves setting one or more delivery areas for matching, The matching output step outputs the set collection and delivery area, The matching information acquisition process acquires matching information for collection and delivery personnel, The matching execution process determines the delivery person for each delivery area based on the delivery area and the matching information. The aforementioned delivery area is a delivery area set according to the delivery area setting method described in any of the appendices 9 to 13. Delivery area matching method. (Note 15) The matching output step outputs delivery condition information, The aforementioned delivery conditions information is the delivery conditions information for the delivery area setting method described in any of the appendices 9 to 13. The delivery area matching method described in Appendix 14. (Note 16) The aforementioned delivery area setting step includes the delivery area setting method described in any of appendices 9 to 13. The delivery area matching method described in Appendix 14 or 15. (Note 17) This includes procedures for acquiring collection and delivery information, information processing, clustering, and setting collection and delivery areas. The procedure for obtaining collection and delivery information is to obtain collection and delivery information, The aforementioned delivery information includes delivery source information for one or more delivery origins, and delivery destination information for one or more delivery destinations. The aforementioned information processing procedure generates collection and delivery condition information for each collection and delivery destination based on the collection and delivery source information and the collection and delivery destination information. The clustering procedure, based on the collection and delivery conditions, clusters one or more collection and delivery destinations for each of the one or more collection and delivery sources to generate a cluster that includes one collection and delivery source and one or more collection and delivery destinations. The above delivery area setting procedure sets the generated cluster as a collection and delivery area, A program that can execute each of the above steps on a computer. (Note 18) The aforementioned collection and delivery source information includes collection and delivery source location information relating to the location of each collection and delivery source, The aforementioned delivery destination information includes delivery destination location information relating to the location of each delivery destination, The information processing procedure generates the collection and delivery condition information for each collection and delivery destination, including the collection and delivery distance information from each collection and delivery source, based on the collection and delivery source location information and the collection and delivery destination location information. The clustering procedure generates the clusters by performing the clustering based on the collection and delivery distance information. The program described in Appendix 17. (Note 19) The information processing procedure generates the delivery condition information, which includes the delivery time information required for delivery from the source, for each delivery destination based on the delivery distance information. The clustering procedure generates the clusters by performing the clustering based on the collection and delivery distance information. The program described in Appendix 18. (Note 20) The aforementioned delivery destination information includes delivery destination order information for each delivery destination, The information processing procedure generates the delivery condition information, which includes the delivery destination order information. The clustering procedure generates the clusters by performing the clustering based on the delivery destination order information. The program described in any of the appendices 17 to 19. (Note 21) The aforementioned collection and delivery source information includes collection and delivery source order information for each collection and delivery source, The information processing procedure generates the collection and delivery condition information, which includes the collection and delivery source order information. The clustering procedure generates the clusters by performing the clustering based on the collection and delivery order information. The program described in any of the appendices 17 to 20. (Note 22) This includes the procedure for setting the collection and delivery area, the procedure for outputting matching results, the procedure for acquiring matching information, and the procedure for executing matching. The aforementioned delivery area setting procedure sets one or more delivery areas for matching, The matching output procedure outputs the set collection and delivery area, The aforementioned matching information acquisition procedure acquires matching information for delivery personnel, The matching procedure involves determining the delivery person for each delivery area based on the delivery area and the matching information. The aforementioned delivery area is a delivery area set by the program described in any of the appendices 17 to 21. A program that can execute each of the above steps on a computer. (Note 23) The aforementioned matching output procedure outputs delivery condition information, The aforementioned delivery conditions information is the collection and delivery conditions information for the program described in any of the appendices 17 to 21. The program described in Appendix 22. (Note 24) The aforementioned delivery area setting procedure includes the program described in any of the appendices 17 to 21. The program described in Appendix 22 or 23. (Note 25) A computer-readable recording medium containing a program described in any of the appendices 17 to 24. [Industrial applicability]

[0066] According to the present invention, a delivery area can be set for each delivery hub (delivery source), and an improvement in delivery efficiency can be expected. The present invention is applicable to a wide range of fields, such as home delivery, postal services, and food delivery. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0067] 10. Collection and Delivery Area Setting Device 11. Collection and Delivery Information Acquisition Unit 12 Information Processing Section 13 Clustering section 14. Collection and Delivery Area Setting Section 101 Central Processing Unit 102 memory 103 Bus 104 Storage device 105 Input device 106 Output device 107 Communication devices 20. Delivery Area Matching Device 21 Delivery Area Setting Section 22 Matching output section 23. Matching Information Acquisition Department 24 Matching Execution Unit

Claims

1. It includes a collection and delivery information acquisition unit, an information processing unit, a clustering unit, and a collection and delivery area setting unit. The collection and delivery information acquisition unit acquires collection and delivery information, The aforementioned delivery information includes delivery source information for one or more delivery origins, and delivery destination information for one or more delivery destinations. The information processing unit generates collection and delivery condition information for each collection and delivery destination based on the collection and delivery source information and the collection and delivery destination information. The clustering unit, based on the collection and delivery conditions, clusters one or more collection and delivery destinations for each of the one or more collection and delivery sources to generate a cluster that includes one collection and delivery source and one or more collection and delivery destinations. The aforementioned collection and delivery area setting unit sets the generated cluster as a collection and delivery area. Collection and delivery area setting device.

2. The aforementioned collection and delivery source information includes collection and delivery source location information relating to the location of each collection and delivery source, The aforementioned delivery destination information includes delivery destination location information relating to the location of each delivery destination, The information processing unit generates the delivery condition information, including the delivery distance information from each delivery source, for each delivery destination based on the delivery source location information and the delivery destination location information. The clustering unit generates the clusters by performing clustering based on the collection and delivery distance information. A collection and delivery area setting device according to claim 1.

3. The information processing unit generates the delivery condition information, including the delivery time information required for delivery from the delivery source, for each delivery destination, based on the delivery distance information. The clustering unit generates the clusters by performing the clustering based on the collection and delivery time information. The collection and delivery area setting device according to claim 2.

4. The aforementioned delivery destination information includes delivery destination order information for each delivery destination, The information processing unit generates the delivery condition information, including the delivery destination order information. The clustering unit generates the clusters by performing the clustering based on the delivery destination order information. A collection and delivery area setting device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The aforementioned collection and delivery source information includes collection and delivery source order information for each collection and delivery source, The information processing unit generates the delivery condition information, which includes the delivery source order information. The clustering unit generates the clusters by performing the clustering based on the collection and delivery source order information. A collection and delivery area setting device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. It includes a collection and delivery area setting unit, a matching output unit, a matching information acquisition unit, and a matching execution unit. The aforementioned delivery area setting unit includes a delivery area setting device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, and sets one or more delivery areas for matching, The matching output unit outputs the set collection and delivery area, The matching information acquisition unit acquires matching information for delivery personnel, The matching execution unit determines the delivery person for each delivery area based on the delivery area and the matching information. Collection and delivery area matching device.

7. This includes a process for acquiring collection and delivery information, an information processing process, a clustering process, and a collection and delivery area setting process. The process of acquiring collection and delivery information involves acquiring collection and delivery information. The aforementioned delivery information includes delivery source information for one or more delivery origins, and delivery destination information for one or more delivery destinations. The aforementioned information processing step generates collection and delivery condition information for each collection and delivery destination based on the collection and delivery source information and the collection and delivery destination information. The clustering step, based on the collection and delivery conditions, clusters one or more collection and delivery destinations for each of the one or more collection and delivery sources to generate a cluster that includes one collection and delivery source and one or more collection and delivery destinations. The aforementioned collection and delivery area setting step sets the generated cluster as a collection and delivery area. Each step is performed by a computer. How to set up the delivery area.

8. This process includes a collection and delivery area setting process, a matching output process, a matching information acquisition process, and a matching execution process. The aforementioned delivery area setting step includes each step of the delivery area setting method described in claim 7, and sets one or more delivery areas for matching. The matching output step outputs the set collection and delivery area, The matching information acquisition process acquires matching information for collection and delivery personnel, The matching execution process determines the delivery person for each delivery area based on the delivery area and the matching information. Each step is performed by a computer. Delivery area matching method.

9. This includes procedures for acquiring collection and delivery information, information processing, clustering, and setting collection and delivery areas. The procedure for obtaining collection and delivery information is to obtain collection and delivery information, The aforementioned delivery information includes delivery source information for one or more delivery origins, and delivery destination information for one or more delivery destinations. The aforementioned information processing procedure generates collection and delivery condition information for each collection and delivery destination based on the collection and delivery source information and the collection and delivery destination information. The clustering procedure, based on the collection and delivery conditions, clusters one or more collection and delivery destinations for each of the one or more collection and delivery sources to generate a cluster that includes one collection and delivery source and one or more collection and delivery destinations. The above delivery area setting procedure sets the generated cluster as a delivery area, A program that instructs a computer to perform each step.

10. This includes the procedure for setting the collection and delivery area, the procedure for outputting matching results, the procedure for acquiring matching information, and the procedure for executing matching. The aforementioned delivery area setting procedure includes each step of the program described in claim 9, and sets one or more delivery areas for matching. The matching output procedure outputs the set collection and delivery area, The aforementioned matching information acquisition procedure acquires matching information for delivery personnel, The matching procedure involves determining the delivery person for each delivery area based on the delivery area and the matching information. A program that instructs a computer to perform each step.

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